Dubuque native ‘eager to serve’ as priest

By Jill Kruse-Domeyer

Witness Editorial Assistant

DUBUQUE — The difficulties faced by the Catholic Church over the past year have shown Deacon Joshua Link “how much we need good and holy priests to serve God’s people,” he said. As his ordination day approaches, Deacon Link said he hopes to be that kind of a priest — good and holy — and prays he’ll always minister to the best of his ability.

Deacon Link, 26, is the son of Brian and ­Angella Link of Dubuque and has one sister, Jessica. His home parish is St. Joseph’s in Key West. He attended Wahlert Catholic High School in Dubuque.

After his high school graduation, Deacon Link entered the St. Pius X Seminary program at Loras College, from which he graduated in 2015.

He continued with his studies at Mundelein Seminary in Illinois.

Over the years of his formation, Deacon Link said his family has been very supportive.

“I know my family prays constantly for me, and they want me to be the best priest I can be,” he said. “I want to say thank you to them for all the sacrifices they’ve made over the last eight years and for giving their son and their brother to the church.”

Deacon Link said he has also had great priest role models in his life who have been with him every step of the way.

“They have constantly reached out to me and truly taught me what it means to be a priest of Jesus Christ,” he said.

When not busy preparing for the priesthood, Link said he enjoys engaging in physical fitness activities, including Crossfit and powerlifting. He is also an enthusiastic fan of Marvel movies and said his favorite superhero is the Hulk.

As his ordination draws nearer, Deacon Link said what he is looking forward to most about being a priest is administering the sacraments, specifically the anointing of the sick.

“After working in a hospital one summer I saw how effective the sacrament really can be for people. It can bring healing to those who are truly suffering,” he reflected.

Deacon Link said he is excited to be a priest and walk with the people of his future parish.

“I’ve never been a priest before so I have a lot to learn, but I’m very eager to serve,” he said. “I know wherever the Holy Spirit sends me will be full of so many wonderful people, and I can’t wait to be their priest and serve as their priest.”

Deacon Joshua Link is shown with his sister, Jessica Link, in his graduation robes. The deacon grew up as a member of St. Joseph Parish in Key West and is a graduate of Wahlert Catholic High School in Dubuque. He graduated from Mundelein Seminary earlier this year. (Contributed photo)